AG Barr picks former KP director as md

Soft drinks manufacturer AG Barr has appointed Hugh McPherson, ex-managing director and head of marketing for the crisps division of KP Foods, as managing director.

McPherson has been brought in to replace executive chairman Robin Barr, aged 60, who is due to retire within the next year. McPherson will take up the new role of chief executive.

The Glasgow-based business makes and distributes soft drinks brands such as Tizer, Irn Bru and Orangina.

McPherson was previously managing director and head of marketing at KP Foods crisps division (MW March 26).

He has spent virtually all his working life at United Biscuits, which owns KP, in a variety of marketing and management roles.

AG Barr’s pre-tax profits leapt by 115 per cent last year from 5m to 10.8m, on sales up 7.5 per cent to 110.3m.

The company puts the rise in profits down to efficiency savings from a new factory in Cumbernauld, outside Glasgow; a switch to lower-cost plastic bottles for some brands; and the lower cost of sugar because of the strength of sterling.

At KP’s crisps division, McPherson’s marketing role will be filled by marketing controller Neil Robinson, who joined the company in January from St Ivel.

You should read this

Galaxy Instant Hot Chocolate, made by Nichols Foods on behalf of Masterfoods, has signed up as the main sponsor of Hampton Court Palace ice rink as part of the &£16m rebranding of the overall Galaxy brand.

NOT REGISTERED? IT'S FREE, QUICK AND EASY!

Already a member?

Sign in

Register and receive the best content from the only UK title 100% dedicated to serving marketers' needs.

We’ll ask you just a few questions about what you do and where you work. The more we know about our visitors, the better and more relevant content we can provide for them. And, yes, knowing our audience better helps us find commercial partners too. Don't worry, we won't share your information with other parties, unless you give us permission to do so.

THE BEST CONTENT

Our award winning editorial team (PPA Digital Brand of the Year) ask the big questions about the biggest issues on everything from strategy through to execution to help you navigate the fast moving modern marketing landscape.

THE BIGGEST ISSUES

From the opportunities and challenges of emerging technology to the need for greater effectiveness, from the challenge of measurement to building a marketing team fit for the future, we are your guide.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Information, inspiration and advice from the marketing world and beyond that will help you develop as a marketer and as a leader.

Type anything and hit “enter”

Sign in

Not registered yet?

Register and receive the best content from the only UK title 100% dedicated to serving marketers' needs.

We’ll ask you just a few questions about what you do and where you work. The more we know about our visitors, the better and more relevant content we can provide for them. And, yes, knowing our audience better helps us find commercial partners too. Don't worry, we won't share your information with other parties, unless you give us permission to do so.